NEW DELHI: India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded the dismissal of Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of being responsible for the “brutality” against students during a police crackdown on protests in New Delhi earlier this month.
Gandhi also called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the violence, alleging excessive use of force against youth-movement demonstrators protesting over irregularities in competitive examinations.
Speaking at a press conference after his remarks in Parliament led to an adjournment of the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said there were only two possibilities: either Shah had authorised the use of force against protesters or had failed to prevent it despite being responsible for the security agencies involved.
There are only two possibilities.
🔵 Home Minister Amit Shah gave the order to use pellet guns, beat people with lathis, and use electric batons.
🔵 Amit Shah did not know what was happening. If that is the case, it is incompetence.
👉 In either case, he needs to go.
: LoP… pic.twitter.com/ZnS6Oip8Er
— Congress (@INCIndia) July 29, 2026
The opposition leader noted that both the Delhi Police and central armed police forces report to the Home Ministry, arguing that Shah was either “culpable” or “incompetent” and should step down in either case.
PM Modi, at least have the decency to take responsibility. pic.twitter.com/tFSxAkwUfo
— Congress (@INCIndia) July 29, 2026
Use of pellet guns against students
Earlier in the day, Gandhi accused Shah in the Lok Sabha of authorising the use of pellet guns against students during the nationwide youth protests.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described the allegations as baseless and urged Gandhi to withdraw his remarks. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also objected to Gandhi’s language during the debate.
Cockroach movement protests across India
The unrest began on June 6 when the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched protests at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities.
The movement intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital while on a hunger strike.
Also Read: India’s ‘Cockroach’ Movement Sets Deadline for Govt to Withdraw Cases Against Protesters
On July 20, thousands of protesters marched towards Parliament, where police used batons, tear gas and pellet guns to disperse the crowd.
Reports said personnel from the Rapid Action Force, a unit of the Central Reserve Police Force, carried pellet guns as part of their riot-control equipment. The crackdown fuelled demonstrations across the country.
Letter to home minister
The Congress party said Gandhi had also written to Shah demanding accountability over the “barbaric assault” on students.
In the letter, Gandhi questioned whether the home minister had approved the use of pellet guns and other force against protesters, alleged that women demonstrators had been assaulted, and claimed that some protesters, including a 19-year-old student, suffered serious injuries from pellet fire.
He described the use of force against peaceful demonstrators as an attack on democratic norms and urged the government to provide answers and accountability.
Movement warns of renewed agitation
Meanwhile, the CJP warned that it would resume nationwide protests unless the government honoured assurances to withdraw criminal cases against demonstrators and release those detained.
The movement said it had yet to receive written confirmation of commitments made during negotiations following the end of its 36-day sit-in.
It alleged that students remained in detention in several states and said at least 100 people had been arrested, many facing non-bailable charges. The organisation said it had established a legal fund to assist protesters.
